COMMUNITY UPDATES

Great Ocean Road Health CEO Update Coronavirus (COVID 19)

Extensive planning is well underway, and staff are in consultation with internal and external experts on a daily basis, to ensure Great Ocean Road Health is adequately prepared to support the communities we serve.

We have activated our infectious disease pandemic plan, which ensures staff at the front-line understand – and are equipped – to appropriately manage risk and treat patients, should the need arise.

We also have a Nurse Unit Manager at Lorne Community Hospital who is an Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) expert with COVID 19 experience, as part of the pandemic leadership team.

As protocols change daily, we are very much in the containment phase at present, so being vigilant about hand hygiene and limiting access to social gatherings will assist in spreading the virus. We have made the decision to limit all access to our aged care facilities and exercise classes in both Lorne and Apollo Bay have been cancelled until further notice.

A number of isolation rooms have been set-up, which will limit traffic in our medical centres and hospital waiting rooms. If you have mild symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and you’ve recently travelled overseas or been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, contact your local GP for advice and testing. PLEASE call ahead to let them know you’re coming so they can prepare. Our goal is to protect our staff, patients, residents and community from further exposure.

If your symptoms are more severe, for example, with difficulty breathing, or you have another emergency condition, please visit our Urgent Care Department.

If you’re unsure or you need advice, call the Victorian Coronavirus community phone line on 1800 675 398.

Strategic Planning

In light of the current pandemic situation, all community consultations regarding Great Ocean Road Health’s Strategic Plan 2020-2024 will be put on hold. Staff and Board Members will continue to meet via telehealth services, to implement our future vision and key strategies. Keep an eye out for further information regarding this process.

Up to date information

To keep updated on Great Ocean Road Health’s news and events, follow us on Facebook – greatoceanroadhealth, lornemedicalcentre or apollobaymedicalcentre. Our friendly staff are always available to answer any questions, no matter how big or small. Your health is our number one priority and keeping our community safe and protected over the coming months is high on our agenda.

Be kind to one another and make sure our elderly residents are well supported in the community.